The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-03-03
Senator Riddleberger and the
President.


1t is reported that after the formalities Of
introduction, the President, with quaint
look, remarked that he, the Senator. was
pretty WE'LL abused man. Riddleberger
responded quickly, yes, there seems to be
a pair of us but that to the President it
brought reputation, while to the Sena-
tor it was simply 'notoriety," after which
a pleasant conversation passed between
them. 1t seems strange to the ordinary
mind why Senators and congressman OF
opposite political views to the President,
do not feel at liberty or inclined to Guilt
yate the ordinary civilities which should
exist between the representatives of the
people in the different departments of the
government, and frankly state their wants
and make known their requests, in the ca
pacity of representatives. We remember
once to have heard prominent democratic
Congressman remark that he had never
crossed the sill of the door of the Execu-
tive Mansion since certain Republican
President had occupied it.and when asked
the reason, he could assign no other than
that he was not of the same political faith.
We thought how small men in high POSI-
lions can make themselves by the exhibit
ton of such spirit, and how circum-
scribed their influence when appearing in
such role. 1t is like the fly on the OK S
horn, or the stump-tail bull on the railroad
track. There is no sound reason or rational
excuse for a Republican Senator or Rep
resentatiye not seeking the acquaintance
of a Democratic President, and cultivating
friendly relations which would remove the
restrictions that pertain among strangers
in the transaction of business. Parties
are necessary, under our political eystem,
it may be necessary evils,-but whether
evils or not they exist and will continue to
exist. But differences of opinion and of
party relations are no Justification for per-
sonal arrangement, or the manifestation
of the discourtesy implied in the Represen-
tative not paying his respects to the Chief
Executive officer of the Nation. Men who
cannot liftthemselvesa above little personal
spites because of political differences, are
not worthy of having party relations or
representative trusts. The presumption
that the President wants to serve the peo-
pie ought to be nppermost in the public
mind; ard he cannot learn what the people
want, if he is only permitted to consult
the partizans of his own political house
hold. Republican Senators and Represen
tatives ought to be as free in their inter-
course with Democratic President as
Democrats and this he would desire if he
should not be churlor blockhead. Pres
idents are frequently blamed for mistakes
with political opponents, in the represen-
tative body, might have prevented them !;
for unless there were Just cause for dis
trust frank statement from the member
would be as frankly considered, and proba-
bly, acted on. President Cleveland has no
doubt, by this time, learned that everything
his party friends in Virginia say to him is
not gospel, and with his experience in this
line, he would very likely give due weight
to Statement of political opponent with
whom he was on terms of personal friend
ship and acquaintance. People cannot
learn each other without personal inter-
course and acquaintance, and Presidents
are made of flesh and blood like others of
their fellow creatures, and subject to the
same kind of influences. There is no sense
in Republicans holding themselves aloof
from the Executive Mansion simply be-
cause it is occupied by Democrat, and we
hope the Republican members from Vir
ginia will hereafter pay the respect that is
due the President by calling on him as
others do. and in talking plainly to him,
when the interests of their constituents
demand it. Senator Riddleberger has bro
ken the ice, and we hope the example will
be followed by others.
Covington Sentaael.-Suit has been en-
tered in the Circuit Court of this county
by Mrs. Catherine Fry, against the Ches.
& Ohio Ry., for $1,000 damages. In Feb
ruary, 1886, a little son of Mrs. Fry s was
run over and killed by train on the e. &
0. Ry., while passing through Coleman S
Tnnnel, in this county, hence the suit for
damages. The grandfather of the boy was
also killed at the same time. Messrs. Har.
,ison & Tucker are Mrs, Fry's attorneys.
Page Coawier.-Oury young friend, Fetch
n Miller, has shown US newspaper file
which he has recently invented that excels
or the purpose any device We have ever
een. In our opinion it is simply perfect,
md ought not only to be patented, but
hould take the place of any and all kinds
# these instruments that we have ever |
cen or heard of. He will have it patented. |
We feel sure that it will meet a large and |
eady sale.
In the Senate, on Friday. Senator In
alls, of Kansas, was elected President of
he body, to fill the vacancy caused by the
esignation of President Sherman. Mr.
INGALLS, received the full Republican vote.
Senator Riddleberger, and the
democrats voted solidly for Senator Har-
s.